Private tour in London Lesley M

Shakespeare's London - Private Walking Tour

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Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lesley M.

4.5

Guide rating

2

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Tours delivered

3 hrs

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Welcome to London. I'm a Londoner through and through and a former award winning BBC radio journalist. Let me show you round my home town! I'm an experienced and enthusiastic guide and qualified to show you around London - taking in iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, The Royal Parks, and the historic City of London, with its Roman remains and breathtaking modern skyscrapers. I am a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Guide, and am fully insured to guide you safely on the busy streets. I lead tours for agencies as well as creating walks which follow my particular passions. I love history - having studied it to degree level at York University. One of the key themes of my professional life is storytelling. I want to tell you tales about how London became such a great city. There's almost two thousand years of history to delve into on my tours. From monarchs, scientists, and entrepreneurs, to people working in the arts, to rebels and campaigners wanting change - they've all left their mark. I love historical gossip - as a former journalist - of course I do! I'll always do my best to entertain you with unusual insights on my tours. I have a particular interest in Roman, Medieval and Tudor London and I love bringing people's stories to life on my walks: from playwright William Shakespeare, to famous and infamous monarchs, or far-sighted Lord Mayors of London, like Richard Whittington - just a few characters that feature. I'm also fascinated by the City of London's commercial and financial history, as I worked as a BBC business journalist for many years. Just how did all that financial expertise end up crammed into the City? I can take you around little-known historic alleyways to reveal how financial companies first got started hundreds of years ago. Hint! They began in coffee shops - rather like many start up companies today. I'll also take you to cutting edge skyscrapers with nicknames - like the Gherkin or the Cheese grater. When I'm not walking around London, I'm a keen musician, playing the clarinet and singing in various choirs. Let me guide you around the fascinating streets of London. City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association: membership no: 387 https://westminsterguides.org.uk/guide-profile/lesley-mcalpine/ City of London Guide and Lecturers Association: membership number: 927 https://www.cityoflondonguides.com/find/lesleymcalpine History Honours Degree York University I am not a Blue Badge Guide: so I cannot guide inside The Tower of London or other Royal Palaces; or Westminster Abbey; or St Paul's Cathedral. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lesley M.

Overview of your London tour

'Brush up your Shakespeare' as the popular song goes! Do this by joining me on a walking tour of the Bankside area of London, where William Shakespeare lived and worked for most of his adult life. Learn about the theatres he wrote for, The Globe and The Rose. Also view: a bustling food market, a prison and a touching memorial to him in a religious space he knew well. Discover how the creative genius was also a clever businessman, fashioning popular entertainment for the capital's inhabitants. Plays which still speak to us today. Let me share my love of The Bard and the world he lived in, with you. I'm a keen theatre goer, backed up by extensive reading about the playwright's life and times. I've been lucky. My mum took me to lots of great Shakespeare plays when I was young. These days I visit The Globe Theatre at Bankside for my Shakespeare fix! Let's discover what William Shakespeare means today by re-tracing his London footsteps together.

Your London tour itinerary

On our tour we will see: - View of The Globe Theatre, Bankside - The ferryman's Seat, Bear Gardens - Site of The Rose Theatre, Park Street - View of original Globe Theatre site, Park Street - Borough Market - George Inn, Borough High Street - Southwark Cathedral - View of London Bridge - Replica of the Golden Hinde ship - The infamous Clink Prison, where actors were jailed - Anchor Pub (actor's pub) - Millennium Bridge - College of Heralds, Queen Victoria Street - View of St Paul's Cathedral End of tour. Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour. No transport provided. Clients should meet me at The Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk. Bankside. London SE1 9DT. Meet at Globe entrance opposite Starbucks. Nearest tube stations: Blackfriars London Bridge

What's included
Other
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. This walking tour does NOT include entry inside the Globe Theatre complex itself.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk. Bankside. London SE1 9DT. Meet at Globe entrance opposite Starbucks.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1277382
Languages
English
Activity level
Light

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private walking tour in London is perfect for anyone with an interest in William Shakespeare, theatre enthusiasts, and those who want to explore the historical Bankside area. It's also ideal for travellers who wish to connect with a local guide like Lesley M. for deeper insights into the life and times of England's most famous playwright.

Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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